Distribution of Na⁺‐Dependent Taurocholate Transport Along the Small Intestine in Sheep

Abstract

In ruminants as well as in simple-stomached animals an efficient entero-hepatic circulation of bile salts is necessary for optimal absorption of dietary fats. However, detailed knowledge about the intestinal absorption of bile salts in ruminants is lacking. We have therefore investigated absorption of taurocholate at various sites of sheep small intestine in vitro by employing a short-term mucosal uptake technique. Furthermore, Na+-dependence of mucosal taurocholate uptake was examined. The results clearly show that in sheep Na+-dependent uptake of taurocholate occurs in the mid-jejunum as well as in the ileum, but not in the proximal jejunum. The activity of mucosal taurocholate uptake increased from proximal to distal with the greatest uptake rates in the ileal segment.